September 2, 1947 – April 21, 2024

Jack Joseph Jabbour, 76, passed away on April 21, 2024, in Lawrence, Kansas. He was born on September 2, 1947, to Col. Nicholas and Ruth Jabbour at Bolling Air Field, DC. He graduated with a bachelor’s from Colorado State University, and a masters in Journalism from UCLA. He taught English Language Arts for 45 years in Garfield County, Colorado, and coached football, basketball, baseball, and track.
He touched the lives of many. He was known for his love of creating music, keeping stats while color-commentating games, making better writers and scholars of his students, and inspiring young people to be the best version of themselves. He was purpose driven and mentored every person he met throughout his life. He taught us to live life to the fullest with Christ’s love, compassion and kindness; we will keep his fire alive. His light will always shine bright.
He will be remembered for the many hats he wore: teacher, coach, worship leader, friend, prayer warrior, role model, brother, dad, Jiddoo, and husband. You may have known him as Jumpin’ Jack and rocking out to music while playing his guitar and singing to the rafters. This love of music began with a borrowed guitar as he sang for his supper, traveling across the country, which brought him to the greatest love of his life, his wife of 50 years, Linda.
He began his teaching career as a substitute so he could support his dream to become a Rock n Roll star, but the Lord had other plans and he became Mr. J. He taught many things, but most students remember him singing and playing his guitar and having them write their life stories. Being a teacher led to becoming Coach J – focusing intensely on the basics, running the coal hill, and when that didn’t work, breaking clipboards (if you played for him, you know).
Jack was the biggest fan of all time; Dodgers, Lakers, Elvis, Jesus, and us. If you knew him like we did, “us” means everyone he met. He will be loved and missed but will forever live on in our hearts and in yours.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Jabbour, brother, Mark Jabbour, daughter, Amber Williams (Ryan Williams), daughter, Jennifer Jabbour-Porter (David Porter), granddaughter, Joslin Daley, nephew, Jake Jabbour, cousins, June Kubli, John Seipel, and Ted Seipel, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, who are now harmonizing together in heaven.
Favorite scriptures: Isaiah 41:10, Colossians 3:16-17, Philippians 4:6-8, Romans 15:13
To read stories written by Jack, visit Covidtrain.wordpress.com
Please feel free to share stories and memories on his Facebook page.
Jack’s Celebration of Life will be on May 31, 2024 at 1 PM at New Hope Church, 880 Castle Valley Blvd, New Castle, CO 81647